Lisa Noelle Cooper

What are you doing now?After finishing my doctoral research on whale evolution and development, I became a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Karen E. Sears at the University of Illinois. My current research focuses on the genes responsible for the lightened bones of bats and the coiling of the inner ear in marsupials.

What is your impression of your Hill Day experience one year later?Hill Day 2009 was nothing short of inspiring. The purpose of the trip was to inform congressman, senators and their staff, of our innovative research and to encourage further science funding. We did our job, and one gratifying moment for me was talking with one senator’s chief of staff. I was moved by her commitment to science, knowledge of our fields and enthusiasm for doing what it took to make sure science in all forms was supported. I walked away with a sense of hope.

What has your participation in Hill Day inspired you to do in terms of advocacy?Having recently moved, I am looking forward to supporting science funding and education in the state of Illinois.

What would your advice be to future participants?Participating in Hill Day allows you to see a different side of our government, interact with enthusiastic researchers and be in the thick of legislation. My only advice would be to enjoy it.